Main Street Alliance of Vermont (MSA-VT) announced the appointment of Sivan Cotel, Co-Founder and Director of Operations of Stonecutter Spirits in Middlebury, to the organization’s State Board. Cotel previously served on MSA-VT’s Leadership Committee and has testified at the Statehouse in support of family and medical leave insurance and Green Mountain Secure Retirement. He brings a breadth of experience in business and financial planning to the board, where he will continue to support the organization’s focus on building Vermont’s small business economy.
“Small businesses are part of Vermont’s fabric,” Cotel said. “Working together helps all of us, and Main Street Alliance is connecting Vermont’s small business owners into conversations that will help our communities and economy flourish. Creating an environment where small businesses and their employees can thrive together is critical to the future of our state.”
Cotel is a craft spirits veteran and has years of experience growing startups into successful businesses. Prior to founding Stonecutter Spirits, Cotel was the COO and CFO of WhistlePig Whiskey. Before moving to Vermont, Cotel was a Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, as well as having previously worked at JPMorgan Chase and Bear Stearns. He also currently serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Porter Hospital in Middlebury.
“We are excited to have Sivan join the board,” said Jen Kimmich, MSA-VT Board Chair and co-owner of the Alchemist. “His unique experience as both an entrepreneur and in the financial sector paired with his commitment to our values will be a great asset to MSA-VT as we continue to advocate for policies that make sense for small businesses and make our communities healthier.”
Cotel sits on the board with Kimmich, Sue Bette (vice chair) of Bluebird Barbecue, Eliza Cain of Red Hen Baking Company, Wayne Nelson of LN Consulting, Melinda Moulton of Main Street Landing, Nicole Grenier of Stowe Street Cafe, Matt Birong of 3 Squares Cafe and Caleb Magoon of PowerPlay Sports.